GFWC holds state convention

April 26, 2013

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS - The General Federal of Women's Club of West Virginia held the 107th Annual General Convention and 80th Junior Convention at the Greenbrier March 22-24.

This was the third combined general and junior convention. Rita Lynch was convention chair. The Eastern and Western districts and Junior Central and North Central districts members were hostesses.

Northern District President Jo-Ellen Wright and Club President Diane Pastoric represented the Weirton Woman's Club.

West Virginia President Carol Allen and West Virginia Director of Junior Clubs Kristi Atha-Rade called the convention to order. The session began with a procession recognizing the state Executive Board, general and junior officers and chairs, past state presidents and state junior directors. There was a parade of club presidents and recognitions of Honor, Superior and Rhododendron clubs.

A reception honoring Allen and International President Mary Ellen Laister followed.

The district presidents participated in a candlelight memorial service to honor deceased members. Workshops on diabetes, domestic violence and leadership were held for all members. District presidents participated in a skit, "How Does Your Garden Grow?" with each giving a report on their clubs' activities over the year.

Laister gave the keynote address.

Awards were presented, and Weirton Woman's Club was recognized as an Honor, Superior and Rhododendron Club.

Club President Diane Pastoric also accepted the following awards for the club: Best Overall Public Issues, regardless of size; first place in International Outreach Community Service Program, Membership Recruitment, Leadership Advancement and Public Issues; second place in Communications and Identity; Legislative and Public Policy; Membership; Interclub Activity; and State President's Special Project; and third place in Communications and Identity Media Book; Signature Project; and Woman's History and Resource Center.

In the arts and crafts awards, members received second play for acrylic and third for weaving.

The club also received a White Star for recruiting more than five members.